Charles Spurgeon Commentary Romans 9:31

"but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not arrive at [that] law." — Romans 9:31 (ASV)

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.

Israel followed after the law of righteousness with many ceremonies and external washings, and wearings of phylacteries and bordered garments.

Alas, poor Israel!